MIDI VS....

Nitebob

Okay, I mainly do recordings at home and that type of thing, I'm not a live performer (mainly cause I don't have the time, and haven't received any offers, not that I've been looking...I digress)

I recently bought a Korg SP170s digital piano. Have been recording the piano sounds with it, but the strings are horrid, plus there is no layering on this piano...

I know layering is possible on the MIDI systems and VSTi's are more realistic, also, if need be can be used for live performance....

So I've been thinking about upgrading the Korg but have started considering getting a 88 key Alesis MIDI controller. I am however a complete idiot when it comes to MIDI...so...

Your opinions please and is there any resources I can use to get myself more au fait with MIDI?

doc-phil

You can learn a lot about midi without having an actual controller. Virtually all DAWs have midi capabilities, so start learning your DAW before jumping in on a controller. Also consider which sample libraries you want to invest - some are very pricey, although there is a lot that you can find online as freeware.

In Reaper, midi functionality is a breeze. After connecting up my controller I simply had to add a VST instrument track and everything is connected automatically (for the actual keys and pitch bend/velocity control). Mapping the other controllers (sliders, knobs, faders etc) took some tweaking.

You can't go wrong with controllers from m-audio, novation etc.

daveo1977

Hey Nitebob!

A friend of mine is using a M-AUDIO 49-key midi controller/keyboard very successfully with Ableton Live. Apart from playing software instruments, he's also able to map effects parameters to the various rotary knobs and sliders on the keyboard. Allows very hands on manipulation of effects, and beats. I found this link to an article in Keyboard magazine: http://www.midi.org/aboutmidi/Keyboard_Magazine_MIDI_Reloaded_2014.pdf

There are more resources available at midi.org

Nitebob

Hi Doc-Phil. I am in fact using Reaper. I downloaded Kontakt player 5 with the sound library a total of 4 times...my uncapped wifi supplier started raising an eyebrow, but couldn't get it working on Reaper....

Then I tried Fruity Loops which seemed to work but then it only seemed to work for the first two bars and then went haywire...either way I have narrowed it down to one of two or both of the following problems:

One: Almost sure it's an IDtenT (ID10T) problem or
Two: It could be a PICNIC (problem in chair not in computer) problem.

What Midi player are you running in Reaper? I am not averse to paying for something, provided I can get it to work...

Thanks for all the feedback

doc-phil

I use Kontakt mainly... and any number of other standalone synths and instruments. None have given me issues.

What would happen when you tried loading Kontakt in Reaper?

Nitebob

I couldn't even find it...

And if I opened the Kontakt player itself in Piano roll it chose to remain silent...

Will try it again, can I kontakt (hehe) you if I have problems?